Pork and Shrimp Sauce

Soak mushrooms in a bowl of hot water, covered, until soft, about 1 hour. Transfer mushrooms to a cutting board and discard all but 1 cup of the soaking liquid. Mince mushrooms and set aside.

Heat a wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add one-quarter of the pork belly and stir-fry until lightly browned, 2–3 minutes. Add shallots and stir-fry until meat is well browned, 2–3 minutes. Add shrimp, mushrooms, cilantro stems, and half the garlic, stir well, then transfer to a bowl.

Return wok to high heat and heat until hot but not smoking. Add remaining pork belly and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add sugar, licorice, and 1 tbsp. of the soy sauce and stir-fry until meat is well browned, about 1 minute. Return pork–mushroom mixture to wok. Add reserved mushroom soaking liquid, 1⁄2 cup of the soy sauce, and 1⁄3 cup of the rice wine and bring to a boil. Transfer to a heavy medium pot and set aside. Return wok to high heat, add remaining rice wine, and boil for 1 minute, then add to pot.

Add cilantro leaves, remaining garlic, and pepper to taste to pot and simmer over medium-low heat until meat sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Stir in remaining soy sauce. Serve with crab with sticky rice. Sauce will keep covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.